Medical Hair Loss Treatments



There are only two drugs approved by the FDA that have proven to be effective against hair loss, Finasteride and Minoxidil or Rogaine.

Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase; this enzyme converts into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is thought to be the leading cause of male pattern baldness. This medication as a hair loss treatment is prescribed under the names Propecia and Proscar. Originally designed as a treatment for prostate problems, thickening hair was noticed as a side effect of this medication.

Finasteride usually takes about three months for any results and hair loss can resume a year after the medication is stopped. There is a risk of birth defects if women were to take this medication and get pregnant, so it's important that women of child bearing years who plan on getting pregnant or who have a risk of getting pregnant not only avoid taking this medication but also avoid handling any pills as well.

There are other hair loss treatments for women that are concerned with thinning hair but Finasteride should not be used by them if they plan on getting pregnant.

Other hair loss treatments include Rogaine, which is the commercial name of Minoxidil. Rogaine seems to be effective in about 25% of men but works only as long as it is applied. Women's Rogaine is also effective as one of the hair loss treatments for women and too only works as long as it is being applied.

Surgical Hair Loss Treatments

While you may be a bit uneasy about surgical intervention, these have been greatly improved over the past few years and typically have great success.

Transplants are very common types of hair loss treatments. Small plugs of hair are taken from the side or back of the scalp and transplanted into areas of the scalp that are thinning. This procedure needs several months for the plugs to fill in and look natural.

In a tissue expansion procedure, tiny balloons are inserted under the scalp and then gradually inflated; when this happens the skin loosens slightly and is then removed so that the bald area is not as noticeable. Scalp reduction hair loss treatments may seem dangerous and extreme, but in some cases the forehead can be pulled back slightly which reduces wrinkles as well.

If you're curious about any of these hair loss treatments you should definitely speak to your doctor. He or she can give your scalp a thorough exam and recommend the best option for you personally. And if you opt for surgical treatment, be sure you choose a physician that specializes in this type of surgery.